Does your window qualify?

Most basement windows don't. They were built for light and air, not for climbing out. Grab a tape measure. This takes about a minute.

1. 1

   Sill height. 44 inches or less.Floor to the bottom of the open window.

2. 2

   Opening width. 20 inches or more.Open it all the way. Measure the clear space, not the frame.

3. 3

   Opening height. 24 inches or more.Same thing, top to bottom.

4. 4

   Opening area. 5.7 square feet or more.Width times height in inches, divided by 144. Hitting 20 and 24 isn't enough by itself (that's only 3.3 sq ft).

5. 5

   The well. At least 36 by 36 inches and 9 square feet.Only if the window sits below ground. Deeper than 44 inches and it needs a built-in ladder or steps.

6. 6

   Opens from inside.No keys. No tools.

Every basement bedroom needs its own.

That little hopper window up by the ceiling? It doesn't qualify. If you can't climb out of it comfortably, it isn't egress.